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Fertilization: From Bench to Bedside and Beyond

CONICET-FIBYME

The Institute of Biology and Experimental Medicine (IBYME) is a dual-affiliation research center, operating under the dual auspices of the National Scientific and Technical Research Council of Argentina (CONICET) – and the IBYME Foundation Fundación IBYME

Main Areas of Interest

The Journey to Fertilization: From Bench to Bedside and Beyond

Comprehensive Reproductive Biology Training

Acquisition of relevant concepts for understanding mammalian fertilization
Extensive training in clinical procedures for diagnosing and treating infertility

Laboratory Techniques and Biosecurity

Fundamental laboratory techniques
Emphasis on biosecurity in both basic and clinical laboratory settings

Advanced Laboratory Tools

Cell culture techniques
Optical and fluorescence microscopy applications
Protein evaluation methodologies, including cytology and microscopy techniques

Project Management and Bioinformatics

Literature search strategies
Basic bioinformatics skills
Introduction to project management approaches

Gamete Handling and Interaction

Specific protocols for the handling and interaction of gametes
Techniques critical for undertaking intricate research projects in reproductive biology

Preparation for Clinical and Research Roles

Empowering participants to contribute to basic science or clinical diagnostics laboratories
Preparing graduates for competitive positions in clinics specializing in medical-assisted reproduction

Additional Background and Experience

Extensive Experience in Training and Mentorship

Dr. Monica Vazquez-Levin has organized numerous national and international training courses, workshops, and meetings in Reproductive Biology over the past 30 years.

Proven Impact on Aspiring Professionals

The training programs have equipped participants with essential tools in reproductive biology, adhering to the highest standards.
These programs provide a solid foundation, enabling participants to contribute effectively to basic science or clinical diagnostics laboratories.

Advanced Techniques and Research Preparation

Beyond foundational knowledge, the programs empower individuals with advanced techniques, crucial for undertaking intricate research projects.
Graduates emerge highly competitive and well-prepared for roles in clinics specializing in medical-assisted reproduction.

Experience and Leadership in Program Coordination

The training programs have endowed coordinators with extensive experience, enabling them to guide the programs effectively.
An optimal environment is created for participants to meet and surpass their expectations.

Dr. Mónica Vazquez-Levin: A Distinguished Career in Reproductive Biology and Molecular Oncology

Academic and Professional Achievements

Education: Earned her Master's and PhD in Chemistry from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Postdoctoral Fellowship: Advanced research began in the United States as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Roche Institute of Molecular Biology (1986-1989).
Mount Sinai School of Medicine: Served as an Instructor and Assistant Professor (1989-1994).
IVF Program Leadership: Played a pivotal role in overseeing the IVF program at the Department of ObGyn & Reproductive Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital (1989-1990).
Andrology Laboratory Founder: Founded and led the Clinical and Basic Andrology Laboratory at Beth Israel Medical Center, certified by the City and State of New York Department of Health (1990-1994).

Commitment to Mentorship

Training Program Initiator: Began a training program for fellows and urology residents, marking the start of her long-standing commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists and medical professionals.

Leadership in Argentina

IBYME Leadership: Established the Cell-Cell Interaction Laboratory Studies in Reproduction and Oncology at the Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME) under the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) in 1996.
Mentorship Excellence: Guided over 40 MSc. and PhD students to academic excellence and honors at nationally and internationally prestigious universities.
Supervision of Young Scientists: Supervised numerous technicians, postdoctoral fellows, and young investigators.

Scientific Contributions and Recognitions

Publications: Authored more than 80 publications in national and international peer-reviewed journals, along with contributions to several books and electronic resources.
Research Focus: Current projects center on Male Reproductive Health and Cancer Biomarkers.
Grants and Awards: Recognized through numerous national and international grants and awards.
Active Membership: Engaged as a member, reviewer, and editor in several prestigious national and international societies and journals.

International Influence and Leadership

WHO and Global Initiatives: Part of the WHO Research Project Review Panel (RP2) in the Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH)/Human Reproduction Programme (HRP).
Male Reproductive Health Initiatives: Involved in the Male Reproductive Health Initiative (MRHI; European Society of Human Reproduction & Embryology; ESHRE Group) and the Male Infertility Core Outcome Set (COMMIT).
Experts Group Participation: Contributes to the Experts Group on Inositols in Basic and Clinical Research (EGOI).

Technology Transfer Expertise

Entrepreneurship Training: Completed international training in Entrepreneurship at Babson College (USA).
Technology Transfer Specialization: Earned a national degree as Specialist in Technology Transfer and Innovation at Universidad de Tres de Febrero, Argentina.
BIMOVA Coordination: Coordinates BIMOVA (Bioinformatics, Models & Validations), a high-quality technology service from CONICET founded by Dr. Vazquez-Levin, offering expertise in consultancy, process optimization, and assay conduction for biotechnological companies and medical laboratories.

Specialties

Reproductive Medicine

Gynecology

Techniques You Will Learn

Techniques Covered During the Training Program

In Silico Laboratory Techniques

Bibliography Search Tools: Learn how to identify relevant literature using tools like PubMed.
Basic Bioinformatics: Gain proficiency in platforms such as:
- Ensembl
- Human Protein Atlas
- UniProt
- Gene Expression Omnibus
- And more.

Wet Laboratory Techniques

Biosecurity in the Laboratory:

Understand key concepts of biosecurity when handling human cells and fluids in both basic science and clinical settings.

Basic Laboratory Setup:

Explore essential components of a laboratory, including:
- Equipment
- Disposables
- Reagents
- Solutions
- Commercial kits

Human Semen Analysis (Basic):

Learn to perform semen analysis, including:
- Macroscopic evaluation (volume, aspect, color, viscosity, pH)
- Microscopic evaluation (aggregation/agglutination, concentration, motility, vitality, morphology)
- Quality assurance based on WHO Manual (2021).

Extended and Advanced Semen Analysis:

Techniques include:
- Sperm DNA fragmentation
- Chromatin compaction
- Acrosomal status assessment.

Sperm Selection Methods:

Master various sperm selection techniques such as:
- Swim-up
- Density gradients
- Microfluidics.

Semen Cryopreservation:

Techniques and protocols for freezing and preserving semen samples.

Acrosome Reaction and Molecular Biomarkers:

Learn the molecular assessment of sperm biomarkers, particularly protein-based markers, and how to evaluate the acrosome reaction.

Mouse Model Techniques:

Procedures include:
- Ovulation induction
- Sperm and oocyte retrieval from mice.

Sperm-Oocyte Interaction:

In vitro fertilization techniques, including:
- Working with cumulus-oocyte complexes and denuded oocytes.
- Assessing cumulus penetration during fertilization.

Curriculum

4-Week Training Program Overview

Our training program is designed to accommodate a diverse group of participants, offering instruction in both Spanish and English. This bilingual approach ensures that all attendees can fully engage with the material in their preferred language, fostering a more inclusive and effective learning environment.

Program Highlights

Theoretical and Practical Classes:

The curriculum is a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience, allowing participants to gain a deep understanding of key concepts while developing essential laboratory skills.

Comprehensive Electronic Library:

Participants will have access to a meticulously curated electronic library, featuring a wide array of seminal and contemporary literature in the field of reproductive biology.
This extensive collection includes foundational texts as well as the latest research, providing a rich resource that supports both learning during the program and future professional development.

Long-Term Resource:

The electronic library is not just a tool for the duration of the training; it serves as a valuable reference for participants as they continue to advance in their careers, offering ongoing access to cutting-edge knowledge and historical context.

This program is thoughtfully structured to provide a robust educational experience that equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary for success in the field of reproductive biology.

Accommodation

Try https://www.airbnb.com/buenos-aires-province-argentina/stays

Buenos Aires: A Vibrant Hub of Culture and Innovation

The City:
Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina, is one of the largest and most vibrant cities in Latin America, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, architectural splendor, and bustling urban life. As the political and economic heart of Argentina, it houses key landmarks such as the Presidential Palace (Casa Rosada), the Argentine National Congress, and numerous multinational corporations. The city's comprehensive public transportation network, including the Subte (subway), is the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere. Despite its bustling metropolis vibe, Buenos Aires offers numerous parks and green spaces, like the Bosques de Palermo, providing a welcome respite from urban life. Football (soccer) is a passion in Buenos Aires, home to world-famous clubs like Boca Juniors and River Plate, whose rivalry is deeply ingrained in the city’s culture.

Institute of Biology and Experimental Medicine (IBYME)

The Institute of Biology and Experimental Medicine (IBYME) is a dual-affiliation research center operating under the National Scientific and Technical Research Council of Argentina (CONICET) and the IBYME Foundation (Fundación IBYME). IBYME is dedicated to the progressive development of biological sciences and experimental medicine through cutting-edge research, comprehensive training programs, and strategic alliances with national and international institutions.

Research and Training:

IBYME is a hub of research activity and a center for nurturing future scientific talent. The institute offers specialized training programs designed for predoctoral and postdoctoral scholars, fostering an environment that promotes learning, innovation, and discovery.
IBYME’s impact extends beyond academia and research, providing specialized services to various scientific, academic, and commercial sectors, underscoring its commitment to leveraging research for broader societal benefit.

Mission and Focus:

At the heart of IBYME’s mission is the pursuit of scientific knowledge to enhance human health, quality of life, and drive forward economic and social development. The institute focuses on fundamental and applied research in critical areas such as cellular and molecular biology, endocrinology, immunology, neurosciences, oncology, and reproduction.

Educational Outreach:

IBYME is also dedicated to educational outreach, offering courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These initiatives foster scientific curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of the intricate interplay between research and its real-world applications in improving human health and society.

In summary, IBYME represents a dynamic institution where research excellence, educational prowess, and a commitment to societal advancement converge. It is a place where the boundaries of scientific knowledge are continually expanded, and where the next generation of scientists is nurtured and prepared to meet future challenges.

The Laboratory of Cell-Cell Interaction Studies in Reproduction and Cancer

Established by Dr. Mónica Vazquez-Levin in 1996, the Laboratory of Cell-Cell Interaction Studies in Reproduction and Cancer is at the forefront of scientific inquiry in its field. The laboratory’s research is dedicated to unraveling the intricate molecular mechanisms of cell adhesion and the cascade of intracellular and intercellular signaling events that occur during cell-cell interactions, both in normal physiological conditions and in various disease states.

Research Focus:

The laboratory’s primary focus is on dissecting the molecular intricacies behind critical health issues such as infertility and cancer. The team aims to identify specific and sensitive biomarkers to aid in the diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of these complex pathologies.
To achieve these goals, the team employs a multifaceted approach, integrating advanced bioinformatics, cellular and molecular biology, and functional biology strategies. Research models include in vitro cellular systems, experimental animal models, and clinical samples from patients with various disorders.

Collaborations:

Over the years, the laboratory has forged significant collaborations with esteemed professionals from leading national and international institutions, including Northwestern University (USA), Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (Spain), University of Montreal (Canada), Luxembourg Institute of Health (Luxembourg), Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (Switzerland), and more recently, the University of Florence (Italy).
These collaborations have been instrumental in enriching the laboratory’s research and expanding its global scientific network.

Fees and Program Logistics

This program has the following durations available:

Duration	Fee
1 weeks	$750.00
2 weeks	$1,500.00

Who Can Apply

All

Host Details

Host Name: Dr. Mónica Vazquez-Levin

Affiliation: CONICET-FIBYME

Address: Vuelta de Obligado 2490 C1428ADN-Buenos Aires ARGENTINA

Website URL: https://www.ibyme.org.ar/

Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.

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